Shows & Happenings

The Six Fix: Disbanded K-Pop Girl Groups That We Miss

With so many new K-pop groups popping up in the scene, it's getting harder and harder to keep track of which idol group to stan these days. That, and the fact that many veteran groups, who debuted years back are faced with the crushing reality: Disbandment can happen to anyone, especially if you're a girl group.

These past few months, we've seen some of our favorite groups bid us an unexpected farewell as they pursue solo or acting careers and go on different paths. Brb, sobbing!

But as much as we want them to see them complete again, as true fans, we wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors. In the meantime, let’s take a look back at these groups that will surely be missed!

1. I.O.I (Ideal of Idol)

Best Songs: "Pick Me Up," "Whatta Man," "Very Very Very"

Earlier this year, the agency behind I.O.I. broke the sad news to the media that the band will hold a final performance (it happened last January 22) and then go on separate ways shortly after. I.O.I. was a South Korean girl group formed on MNet's talent-search reality show Produce 101. They debuted in May 2016, but after a short period, the group officially disbanded, with the girls going back to their respective agencie and girl groups, like Kim Sejeong and Kang Mina of gugudan, Nayoung and Kyulkyung of PRISTIN, Jung Chaeyeon of DIA and Yoo Yeonjung of Cosmic Girls. We’ll definitely miss their hit songs “Pick Me Up” that played in K-drama hit Goblin, as well ”Very Very Very” and all their other songs that captivated our hearts!

After seven years of being together, this K-pop girl group confirmed a few days ago (May 23, 2017 to be exact) that they're disbanding. This came as a shock to many STAR1 fans (the name of their official fanclub), as Sistar also announced that their new album, which will be released later this month, will also be their last. Members Hyorin and Soyou are reportedly going to pursue solo singing careers, while Bora and Dasom will go into acting.

After surviving member changes in 2014 (original members Nicole and Kang Jiyoung were replaced by maknae Heo Youngji), KARA officially disbanded in 2016 after nine years in the industry. They are known to be one of the most successful K-pop girl groups to ever penetrate the J-pop scene, with a slew of hits in both South Korea and Japan. While the original members have all left DSP, the agency that formed their group, they continue to make a name for themselves by pursuing individual career paths: Nicole has become a solo artist, releasing an album in 2014 and then debuting in Japan in 2015; Jiyoung has become a successful singer-actress in Japan; while Park Gyuri, Han Seung Yeon and Goo Hara are all pursuing acting careers. The best part: their fans, Kamilia, are supporting them every step of the way!

4. Wonder Girls

Best Songs: "So Hot," "Nobody," "Why So Lonely"

This beloved South Korean girl group has been creating hit songs for a decade before they finally parted ways last January. Their popularity reached its peak and the group was able to achieve global success in 2009 with their hit song (which we're sure you've probably danced to at some point), "Nobody." The group then tried to penetrate the US pop market but eventually went back to South Korea, where members Sohee and Sunye officially left in 2015. Wonder Girls continued on after a two-year hiatus and member Sunmi (who had left the group back in 2010) came back to participate in their new album called Reboot. The album featured a whole new sound and the members also embraced being a full-fledged band by playing their own instruments! Sadly, their comeback was short-lived and after releasing two digital singles, "Why So Lonely" and "Draw Me," they finally said their goodbyes. But since very few groups last as long as 10 years in the industry, what they have achieved is no easy feat. You go, girls!

4NIA were saddened to find out that 4Minute had also succumbed to the 7-year curse (as most groups part ways after hitting this mark). The members' contract with Cube Entertainment came to an end in June 2016, and the only member to re-sign to the company was Hyuna. Rumor has it that the girl group, known for their edgy sound and look, was forced to disband by their agency president. Whatever the reason, we're really going to miss their genre-bending music. 4Minute was not afraid to break the fold—and they completely rocked the K-pop industry with their hit singles!

6. 2NE1

Best Songs: "Come Back Home," "Fire," "I Am The Best," "Ugly"

Just a few months ago, 2NE1 bid their farewell to all Blackjacks with their heartbreaking song, "Goodbye." People loved the group for being fashion risk-takers, their undeniable swag, and their unapologetic, ever-evolving music, which were all certified bops! Composed of Park Bom, CL, Kong Minzy and Sandara Park, they were propelled to stardom with the release of "Fire," and achieved cult status with the release of their album Crush in 2014. When member Minzy left the group in 2015, we still hoped against hope that the remaining trio would release one last album but unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. However, we're still wishing that someday, our queens will rise again as we sing, "come back home!"

Yes, our hearts do get broken when we see these groups go on separate ways, but with their incredible talent and dedication to their craft, we know they will be successful whatever path they choose. And we can't wait to see them soar to greater heights!